A High Intensity Workout for Your Shoulders

Brett SmithMay 13, 2022

The high intensity shoulder blaster workout can be used for a 4 to 6 week cycle, or as a rut buster when you simply want to try something different. This routine is relatively brief (30 minutes), and can also be used on days in which you have a limited amount of time to workout.

In total, you will be performing 16 sets using 4 exercises – 2 compound movements and 2 isolation movements. Compound lifts will utilize strength and rest-pause training, and isolation lifts will focus on slower reps and the “mind-muscle” connection.

Compound Exercises. For the two compound lifts in this workout, pick a weight that allows you to knock out 8 to 12 reps before reaching failure. Start by performing an all-out set, stopping about one rep shy of failure. Rack the weight and rest exactly 45 seconds. Perform another set, again stopping one rep shy of failure.

Continue this pattern until you complete 5 total sets. Focus on brute strength, and getting the weight up with good form at all costs. These sets are all about man vs. mountain! You may be able to complete only a rep or two on the last several sets. Don’t worry about this low volume. You are destroying your shoulders with limited rest and heavy weight, and are after cumulative muscle stress and fatigue.

The best shoulder compound movements are the military press, seated dumbbell press, upright rows, and appropriate variations.

Isolation Movements. For the two isolation lifts, concentrate on feeling the shoulder muscles work. Perform each rep with a 4 second concentric motion, and a 4 to 6 second eccentric (negative) motion. Squeeze each contraction and make your delts work! Rest about 2 minutes between each set. Perform about 6 to 8 reps for isolation movements, and no more then 10 reps per set.

The best shoulder isolation movements are lateral raises, front laterals, or cable laterals. It doesn’t matter which exercises you use. Pick 2 isolation movements you enjoy, and hammer your shoulders!